Ghost Tree Invitational, ltd.: Financial Challenges

Ghost Tree Invitational (Ghost Tree) was established in 2007 as a non-profit organization. In the past, Ryan Chackel, the president of Ghost Tree, had organized a yearly two-day event in Bend, Oregon, to raise funds for donations to local non-profit organizations. The event included a golf tournament on the first day and a large outdoor dinner event on the second day. Ghost Tree had relied on sponsor dollars, donations, and ticket sales in a business model that had worked well until a recent change with the participating venue. In all previous years, the venue was donated free of charge to Ghost Tree, but this changed in 2022; Green Links Golf Resort would no longer be able to support the tournament, and the venue would now be an additional expense. Chackel needed to develop a new business model that would make financial sense while also staying true to the non-profit organization’s values. Was there a way to address the financial burden while also maintaining the ability to continuously donate to other non-profit organizations? How could Ghost Tree overcome these financial difficulties?

This case is suitable for undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in strategic management, non-profit management, and financial management. This case provides students with the opportunity to learn about non-profit organizations, business plans, and financial analysis in decision-making. After working through the case and assignment questions, students will be able to do the following:<br><br><ul><li>Identify the characteristics of a non-profit organization’s business models and operations.</li><li>Analyze the various approaches to raising funds through non-profit events.</li><li>Assess the impact of financial challenges that impact donations to local non-profits.</li><li>Evaluate the benefits and costs of modifying a business plan.</li></ul>

• Financial challenge
• Sponsorship
• Non-profit organization